Health effects of seafood

Seafood is a natural part of a balanced diet and has beneficial effects on our health. It contains high levels of several important nutrients not naturally present in other foods and thus helps us maintain a good nutritional status.

The importance of diet on our health in a global perspective

Obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases are increasing in the western world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that 80 per cent of cardiac arrests, 90 per cent of diabetes type 2 and 30 per cent of cancer occurrences could be prevented with better diets, regular physical activity and not smoking.

In Europe, more than 70 per cent of the most important risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases are related to our diet. These diseases are closely related to excess weight and unhealthy living habits, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet. 

Seafood is important for a balanced diet  

A balanced and healthy diet is a prerequisite for good health. Fish and other seafood are an important part of a balanced diet and contribute to a good nutritional status. Children, young people, pregnant women and new mothers in particular eat little fish. A good nutritional status is especially important for these vulnerable groups. Seafood contains high levels of many important nutrients that are not commonly found in other foods. It is an excellent source of proteins, very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and iodine. Fatty fish and certain fatty seafood products are the most important sources of marine omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in our diet.  We know quite a lot about the health effects of isolated nutrients present in fish, but little about how the combined effects of nutrients in fish, i.e. fish as food, contribute to better health. As far as seafood is concerned, the health benefits of consuming the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that are the best documented. 

Positive health effects from seafood

Epidemiological studies have shown that consuming seafood results in a lower risk of heart disease. Consumption of fish and other seafood is also important for pregnancy and foetal development, including foetus growth and neurobiological development. In addition, seafood is an excellent source of proteins, very long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium and iodine, all of which are important in maintaining a good nutritional status. The positive effects of a high intake of fish are mainly related to the content of EPA and DHA, which make the veins more elastic, prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure, stabilise heart rhythm and generally reduce the risk of a heart attack. However, most studies on heart disease have involved pure fish oil or capsules containing various fish oils or pure EPA and DHA. By contrast, few intervention studies documenting the positive health effects of a regular intake of fish and other seafood are available. Hence NIFES focus on research into documentation of the overall health effects of eating seafood with respect to diseases such as obesity, diabetes type 2, multiple sclerosis and osteoporosis.

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